Northeast Olympic Games kick off with grand ceremony in Shillong
Olympic Games kick off
Shillong: The second edition of the North East Olympic Games (NEOG) began with a grand opening ceremony at the SAI NEHU Athletics Ground in Shillong on Thursday.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Konrad K Sangma inaugurated the function by lighting the ceremonial lamp. “Sports are very important in shaping the mind and personality of the youth,” Sangma said while addressing the inaugural function at the SAI Complex.
He congratulated all the athletes who participated in the event and urged them to uphold the ethics of sportsmanship.
More than 3000 athletes from the region will participate in 18 sports disciplines.
A spectacular 500-drone show marked the start of the North East Olympic Games, which will showcase some of the region’s biggest sporting talent. Olympian Hema Das of Assam was present at the opening ceremony. The event was hosted by actress and television presenter Mandra Bedi.
The Chief Minister further said that this event is a platform for the athletes of the region to make their mark in international competitions like the Olympics.
Dance and music performances opened the second edition of the North East Olympic Games in which dignitaries from various parts of the North East region participated.
Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said the purpose of holding the Games is to encourage greater participation of the youth so that they can explore their talents in high-level competitions.
Sports disciplines include archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, wushu, cycling, golf, weightlifting and wrestling.
The event is jointly organized by the Government of Meghalaya with North East Olympic Association and Meghalaya State Olympic Association.
MSOA Working President John F. Kharshiing said, “We have used this opportunity to create new infrastructure and facilities for a smooth and comfortable experience for the players. We are grateful to the state government for supporting the sports. It brought about a paradigm shift in its approach to development.
NEOA President Th Radheshyam said that the whole objective of NEOG launched in 2018 is to provide a foundation to the youth. “We want to build on the aspirations of our children and help them fulfill their full potential. Our youth must have the best environment to build themselves,” he said.
“Meghalaya has a wonderful way of working. The love and affection shown to everyone has been amazing,” he added.
The opening ceremony concluded with fireworks and a jamming session.
